Matchmaker: BOOK I [Y/N X KAI]

✨ Chapter 34 ✨

"Well, since you're such an expert, tell me what do you think?" he asks curiously.

"There are a few ways to go about this, but personally, I like to start with my favourite memory with the person," I say.

He sighs, "You do realize that choosing one single favourite memory of someone you've known since they got born is nigh impossible for a normal person, right?"

Actually, no, it doesn’t sound that impossible to me. Oh wait, I'm not a normal person. Nevermind.

"Okay, but that's not really the point. You just need a memory that's close to your heart, whether or not it’s technically number one," I say.

"Right.." he furrows his brow for a moment. I won't pretend that I'm not enjoying seeing him at a loss of words for once. However, considering his affection for his sister, I really did puzzle this poor guy's head. I should go with something easier.

"Sometimes I like to start with what I like the most about the person, maybe you could try that one," I say.

"Hmm.. That's not an easy question.." he whispers.

My jaw drops in surprise, "Seriously? You really can't think of a single thing you like about your own sister?"

"You wound me, Niki. I'll have you know that it's actually just the opposite. There are so many things I like about Aria that I'm having trouble choosing a single favourite," he says.

Oh.. Dang it, that's actually really sweet.

Nini: 1
Niki: 0

"But..I suppose if I must choose one trait, it has to be her dedication to making the world more beautiful and lively," he says.

I nod in acknowledgement, "That's a good start. Go on."

He smiles, "Aria's always been able to appreciate the little things in life. And see the potential in ordinary situations. And she's willing to share that beauty with those who'd otherwise miss it."

"Woah, that sounds incredible. I thought someone insisted that their terrible at toasts?" I grin.

"You really think it's going well or are you being sarcastic?" Nini asks confusedly.

"Why the fuck would I do that? That's going amazing!" I exclaim.

Nini stops and frowns again.

"No, no, I can't say that. It sounds fsr too corny," he frowns in worry.

I laugh, "It's a bridal shower toast, Sir. Of course it's gonna be corny. Now go on, add something that makes her unique and different than others."

"Hmm..I know the answer, but it's just super hard to put into correct words," he responds.

"You're not writing an essay for examination that you need accuracy. Just broaden up what you mean, your thoughts and feelings. Just start speaking and then I'll try to help you make it clearer so that we can write it down," I tell him.

Nini nods, "Right, I guess what makes Aria herself is how fun she is."

"Nice. And what about her seems so much fun to you?" I wiggle my eyebrows.

Nini looks up at me and with a huge smile he says, "She makes it a priority."

I meet his eyes with a questioning look.

"Can you explain?" I ask.

"Most people I know either want to do things in the right way or the easy way. But when it comes to Aria, she always prioritizes to do things in a fun way" he explains.

"That's such an unique way to put it. We must write it down!" I suggest. He accepts my suggestion with a nod and scrawls a few things down on the legal pad. Ooo, it looks like his handwriting is almost as bad as mine!

He sighs in relief, "Okay, perhaps, this won’t be half as bad as I thought."

"Or maybe it'll actually be good," I grin.

"But I feel like I ought to mention Luhan, since this is sort of about him too.." he adds in.

I nod, "That's exactly what I was just about to suggest! Talk about why they're a good couple."

"That's an easy question. They balance each other out. Luhan keeps Aria grounded and practical. And Aria brings color into Luhan's life," Nini shrugs.

"You've thought about that a lot, huh?" I ask smilingly.

"I don't believe in love at first sight, Niki, you know that.." he whispers. And suddenly my thoughts drive back to Chanyeol's wedding, when we talked about this, and danced. Damn it, that was some great moment.

"Niki?" Nini's voice brings me out of my imagination.

"Yes, so you were saying?" I ask, trying to act normal.

"I was saying that I don't believe in love at first sight. But when Aria introduced me to Luhan, I had high hopes for them and now here they are!" Nini says with a happy sigh and pride for the couple.

"That sounds great! Put that down!" I exclaim.

"Alright..I think that I've got enough information to work with. But how should I close it?" he questions.

"Oh, for that, you can never go wrong with a really good joke!" I say.

"Is this some sort of revenge attempt?" Nini frowns and this time he looks like a child complaining.

"Um, no? Why'd it be?" I say, trying to hold back the laugh forming in me.

"It's not funny, Niki!" he complains and I can say he almost pouts.

It takes every ounce of my strength and self-control to not make some quip about how his face is funny. But I can't do that because I'm standing on thin ice here.

"Come on, you can't think of a single thing related to marriage or wedding that'd make Aria laugh?" I say and burst out laughing.

"Well..there's a quote from one of her favourite movies.." he thinks.

"Is it funny?" I ask.

He shrugs, "Well, she thinks it is. And I think it's my best bet yet."

"So what's it?" I inquire.

He was about to say it but then he pauses and shakes his head dismissively.

"Pass" he says.

✨ To Be Continued ✨